Bitter
Pet Series
on Goodreads (6,508)
What’s inside...
From the critically acclaimed author of Pet and The Death of Vivek Oji, Akwaeke Emezi's novel Bitter is a companion novel to PET that delves into the importance and cost of social revolution, and the power of youth, protest, and art. The protagonist, Bitter, is excited to attend Eucalyptus, a special school for creative teens, where she can focus on her art. However, outside the safety of the school, the town of Lucille is filled with protests against deep social injustices. As Bitter navigates her old friendships, a new romance, and her creative passions, she is torn between staying safe within the school or joining her friends in the streets to fight for change. The novel explores where Bitter truly belongs and at what cost she is willing to fight for the revolution while staying true to herself.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
261 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bitter
Eziekel
Blessing
Alo
Miss Virtue
Discussion points
How do you think Bitter felt when she used her art to express her emotions? Can you relate to using creativity as an outlet?
What do you think about the role of community in Bitter's life? How do you see your community influencing you?
Why do you think it's important for Bitter to stand up for what she believes in? Have you ever had to stand up for something you believe in?
How do Bitter's experiences at Eucalyptus help her grow? What lessons do you think she learns about friendship and trust?
Bitter faces many challenges in the story. Which challenge do you think was the hardest for her, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their opinions and drawing parallels to their own experiences.
Discuss the significance of social justice themes in the story, and relate them to real-world events to deepen the understanding.
Highlight the importance of art and creativity in the book, and encourage your child to explore their own creative outlets as a form of expression.
Use Bitter’s character development and decisions to teach lessons about courage, resilience, and integrity.
Focus on Bitter's relationships in the story and talk about the value of friends and mentors in personal growth and support.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Bitter explores themes of self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one's uniqueness, focusing on the protagonist's journey to understand and appreciate her own differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their own unique traits and qualities, fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence that encourages them to be themselves in various social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Artistic Expression
Explanation: The story highlights how the protagonist uses art as a means to express her emotions and deal with her personal struggles, portraying art as a healthy outlet for self-expression.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and express their feelings through creative activities such as drawing, painting, or writing, which can be therapeutic and aid in emotional development.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Managing Emotions
Explanation: Bitter showcases the challenges of managing intense emotions, illustrating the protagonist’s journey through her emotional landscape, learning to cope and grow.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of acknowledging their feelings, understanding them, and finding constructive ways to deal with them, such as talking to someone they trust or engaging in calming activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The book portrays the protagonist’s resilience in facing personal and societal challenges, emphasizing her growth and strength.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles and challenging times, empowering them to face their own difficulties with courage and hope.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding Others
Explanation: Through interactions with various characters, the protagonist learns lessons of empathy and the importance of understanding others’ perspectives and experiences.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to be empathetic towards others, enhancing their ability to relate to and help those around them, thereby fostering stronger, more meaningful relationships.